LEXINGTON — The John Hardin Bulldogs relied on their balance Thursday afternoon as the two-time defending 5th Region Tournament champions beat the 16th Region champion Fleming County Panthers 79-69 in the first round of the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena.

Senior point guard Brandon Price had a team-high 20 points, four rebounds and a game-high six assists for the Bulldogs, who advance to play the Montgomery County Indians in Friday’s quarterfinals at 6:30 p.m. Montgomery County advanced with a 71-63 win over 4th Region champion Warren Central in Thursday’s opening quarterfinal.

All five John Hardin starters scored at least eight points as the Bulldogs (29-3) won their school-record 21st consecutive game.

Junior guard Patrick Anderson chipped in with eight points for the Bulldogs, who never trailed and were able to take their largest lead at 17 points – 64-47 – with 4:40 left in the game on a layup by Greene.

Williams and Burns had as many combined rebounds by themselves, 23, as Fleming County did as a team.